Ashton Jeanty's transition to the NFL might see more passing-game work.
The Las Vegas Raiders first-round draft pick wasn't called upon much to catch passes out of the backfield during his days at Boise State, with Jeanty catching 80 passes in three years, including just 23 in 2024.
However, it looks like Jeanty's role in the passing game will expand in Chip Kelly's offense. Jeanty told Jesse Merrick of the Silver & Black Sports Network that he's catching the ball out of the backfield more.
"I think the only thing that's a little different is catching the ball out of the backfield a little more. At Boise, I was really just ground and pounding...I feel like that's a part of my game that wasn't showing that much at Boise State. So, we're hoping to bring that to life some more," Jeanty explained.
Kelly is fan of what he's seen from Jeanty as a pass-catcher thus far and noted that the rookie did see time at receiver in high school.
"He's a natural catcher. He played a little bit of receiver in high school when we talked to him," Kelly said. "I think he played some slot receiver, but he catches the ball naturally. It's a natural deal for him."